Foundation Scholarships

Kuehn, Paul & Linda Pre-Dentistry

Applicants must be at least sophomores who are currently enrolled as pre-dentistry students who have earned at least 30 credits at UW-Eau Claire. Applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or better and must have a 3.0 average, or better, in their science (biology, chemistry and physics) and mathematics courses. Juniors and seniors who have been accepted into dental school and will not be returning to UW-EC for another semester are ineligible. Need may be considered but is not a requirement.

Application forms should be obtained from pre-dentistry advisors. Each application must be accompanied by two recommendations that address the intellectual, scholarly and personal qualities of the applicant that would reflect the individual’s potential for a career in dentistry. One recommendation must be from a university professor who is not a pre-dentistry advisor but is familiar with the applicant’s professional goals or his/her academic capabilities. It would be helpful if the faculty member has taught classes with pre-dentistry students, but is not required. A second recommendation must come from someone in a health care profession, preferably a dentist. Each application should include an up-to-date, official copy of the applicant’s academic record. Each application shall include an essay written by the applicant that shall not exceed two typed pages (double-spaced) that addresses the question, “Why do I want to become a dentist?” The essay for repeat applicants will address the question “What do I think will be the most significant challenge in dentistry in the next five years”. Justify your choice.

A selection committee shall consist of at least two pre- dentistry advisors at UW-Eau Claire. Both the biology and chemistry departments must be represented on the committee. The person(s) who originates the scholarship may serve on the committee. The selection procedure used by the committee will include, in order of importance: Overall and science/math GPA; the scholarly qualities of the applicant that would reflect the applicant’s potential of being accepted into dental school, graduating and becoming a successful practitioner; and the character and integrity of the applicant. Need will be considered but it will not be the overriding reason used to award the scholarship. Preference will be given to students who have not previously been awarded the scholarship. No applicant will be discriminated against because of gender, race, religion or national origin.

The Chair of the Selection Committee shall notify the recipient in writing by May and complete and submit a “Scholarship Award Form” to the Financial Aid office. The award will be paid during the fall semester.

The recipient should send a thank you note to Paul and Linda Kuehn in care of the UWEC Foundation Office.